Pin setter for bowling alleys



Apfil 13, 1943. M. PATTERSON 2,316,183

PIN SETTER FOR BOWLING ALLEYS Filed Aug. 25, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR MOREHEAD PATTERSON 8Y7 f a? TTORNEY 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I/IIIIIIIIIIII n m waY/III/I/ INVENTOR MOREHEAD PATTERSON III] 1 April 13, 1943. M. PATTERSON PIN BETTER FOR BOWLING ALLEYS Filed Aug. 23, 1941 p l 1943- M. PATTERSON 23 PIN SETTER FOR BOWLING ALLEYS Filed Aug. 23, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR 4 MOREHEAD PATTERSON YWW ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 13, 1943 rm se'r'r nn roa BOWLING ALLEYS Morehcad Patterson, New York, N. Y., assignor to American and corporation of New Jersey Foundry Company, a

Application August 2:, 1941, Serial No. 408,013

. 34 Claims.

This invention-relates to bowling pin setting machines and more particularly to improvements in mechanism for removing "deadwood or fallen.

pins or other unwanted objects, such as bowling balls, from the bed or gutters of an alley after the throwing of a ball, and before resuming play of the game.

My invention is especially adapted for use with bowling pin setting machines of the type disclosed in co-pending application, Serial No. 204,995 filed April 29, 1938, byGottfried J. Schmidt forpin setting apparatus for bowling alleys, although it is not intended that its use will be so restricted. In a machine of the type disclosed in said Schmidt application, the pin setting device consists of a traveling elevator or table provided with means for setting and resetting pins on the alley bed, which elevator moves to and from the bed and turns in order to set and reset pins thereon.

According to my invention I utilize the pin setting table as means for effecting the positive holding of standing pins in the exact position they occupy after the throwing of a ball and provide means operative while pin are so held for removing the deadwood" from the. alley and gutters, either by tilting a portion of the alley bed with reference to the pit so that fallen pins and balls will be ejected positively as by sliding, or by shaking the alley bed tilting portions so that the pins will be discharged into the pit, after which the alley portion returns to its horizontal location whereupon the standing pins are freed, and play can be resumed.

It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide means for holding standing pins remain. ing on the alley after the throwing of a ball against falling over or movement on the alley, and effect the positive removal of all fallen pins without disturbing the standing pins or interfering with their proper positioning on the alley.

It is an added object of my invention to provide means associated with a pin setter for holding upright on andin the precise position each pin occupied, any standing pin remaining after a ball has been thrown on the alley and for causing that portion of the alley upon which pins are positioned to be tilted relative to the pit or hold said pins on the alley and employ devices acting while the pins are held for discharging all pins except those standing and immovably held on the alley bed into the pit.

for effecting relative movement between the pin clamping means,alley bed and pit for discharging fallen pins or deadwood" into the pit.

My invention also contemplates the provision of mechanism for releasing pins after deadwood" has been removed from the alley and restoring the machine to playing condition.

My invention also consists of the provision of means for holding pins immovable upon the alley bed by devices which engage the tops of the head ends thereof and using mechanism for positively removing all pins not wanted on the alley bed in order to prepare for the continued playing of a particular frame of the game.

My invention also consists in the provision of automatic means movable into engagement with the head ends of pins remaining upright on the alley bed after a ball has been thrown, and mechanism for controlling the operation of the holding mechanism so that only at the proper time during the playing of a frame are the standing pins clamped on the alley bed against removal therefrom.

My invention is also characterized by a device which is movable to and from a bowling alley in order to set and reset pins upon the bed thereof together with means carried by said device for engaging the head ends of said standing pins and clamping them upon the bed against unwanted removal therefrom during the discharge of fallen pins into the pit after which other mechanism is operative to free the pins for further play of the game.

It is also an object of my invention to provide control mechanism set into operation by the arrival of a bowling pin in a pit and cause pins standing on the alley after the throwing of a ball to be held thereon against undesired removal while all deadwood and other unwanted objects are removed and ejected into the pit.

With these and other objects not specifically mentioned in view, the invention consists in certain combinations and constructions which will be hereinafter fully described, and then set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

It is a further object of my invention to pro vide a pin setter table having means coacting therewith for clamping any pins standing on the alley after the throwing of a ball and mechanism In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and wherein the several reference characters designate the same or like elements:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of one form of my invention, on line 1-1 of Figure 2;

Figure 2 is a plan view on line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front elevation on-line 3-3 in Figures 2and 4 Figure 4 is a plan view on line 4-4 of Figure 3 with parts omitted;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view, partly in section, of parts shown in Figure 3;

Figur 6 is a sectional view, to a larger scale, on line 6-6 in Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a sectional view, to a larger scale, on line '|1 in Figure 2;

Figure 8 is a sectional view, to a larger scale, on line 8-8 in Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a side elevation of a modified form of my invention;

Figure 10 is a plan view taken on line |l--H in Figure 9, showing somewhat diagrammatically th arrangement between the deadwood removing members and the pin clamping mechanism;

and the pin clamping mechanism;

Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the air valve shown in Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a sectional view of the air valve on line l5'l5 in Figure 13; and

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 13, but with the air outlet plate removed.

My invention incorporates a pin setting table 44 provided with spaced pin setters 45 of the type disclosed in said Schmidt application, usually in triangular arrangement, which are operative at desired intervals to set pins upon the bed in playing position. The mechanism utilized for raising, lowering and turning the table in the above referred to Schmidt application can be utilized for the same purposes to control the table operation, although because of the novel mechanism which I provide for insuring pins standing on the alley bed, the need for pin resetter devices for lifting standing pins from the alley and resetting them thereon again is obviated.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 to 8 show a preferred form of my invention wherein section I0 of the alley, including the gutters and bed which support a set of pins in playing arrangement is movable between conventional kick backs ll adjacent each gutter, relative to the main portion A of the alley and pit P. In this manner any deadwood or fallen pins lying on the section In or in the gutters after a ball has been thrown can be removed from the alley. Since it is desirable that any pins remaining standing be held against movement in their on spot or off spot positions, the section I6 is moved in any desired manner to-eject'the deadwood therefrom without disturbing the standing pins. One suitabl form of mechanism consists in mounting section It] for tilting orpivotal movement towards the pit. Accordingly, hinges [2 are fixed to section III adjacent pit P and to the vertical portion V at the end of the alley so that this section can be swung from normal horizontal to substantially vertical position, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1, where fallen pins will fall by gravity into the pit for further handling and distribution by suitable means (not shown). Section III at the desired time is swung on its hinges under the action of levers I4, l6 and I8 located beneath the alley A. Lever I4 is pivoted in bearing attached to the bottom of section l6 and lever I 6 is pivoted in a bearing 221 attached to a stationary bed 23, which provides bearings for a screw 24. A threaded slide 26 engages the screw 24 and bearing 28 provides a I pivot 36 for one end of lever l8. All three levers l4 l6 and I8 are jointed together in bearings on pin 32.

At one end of screw 24 is attached a bevel gear 34 which engages a bevel pinion 36 secured to a transverse shaft 38 (Figure 3). At the outer end of shaft 38 is attached a bevel gear 46 which is meshed with a bevel pinion 42 on a shaft 43 which is driven by suitable connections from reversing motor RM.

The operation of the above described mechanism is as follows:

After the first ball has been thrown, presumably knocking down some pins but leaving some standing, the pin setter table 44, which is operated by mechanism, not shown but similar to that shown in said Schmidt application, is lowered until a clamping member comes into contact with the head ends of any standing pins and holds them on the section I!) against falling, or

any movement relative thereto.

As shown in Figures 18, table 44 may be a composite unit composed of several coacting parts. Frame 41 supports the several setters 45,

and fixed to the frame is a detachable plate 48 provided with several projections 46 for a purpose to be described. During the downward. movement of the table, projections 46 move into engagement with cam surfaces 49 0f movable locking arms, such as levers 50 pivotally mounted at 5| on each side of the alley, preferably adjacent and movable backwards into and out of the sides or kickbacks H, so that at all times these arms or leverscannot interfere with the playing of the game or the operation of the machine. It follows, therefore, that when arms 58 have been swung back by projections 46, they will be returned by action of springs 52 into locking coaction with projections 46 engaging surfaces 5|a of arms 58, and thus under certain conditions, as will appear hereinafter, plate 48 will be locked against vertical movement with table 44. When plate 48 is locked in this manner, pad 54, carried by plate 48, which may be made of felt, sponge rubber, sheet rubber, or other suitable compressible or elastic material, will be depressed by the head or heads of any standing pin or pins, as the case may be, and provide a secure grip thereon between the pad 54 and alley bed section I0 (see Figures 3, 5 and 8), thereby holding such pins firmly against falling or movement relative to the alley.

With plate 48 thus clamped, table 44 is started on its upward movement and spring actuated ball latches designated generally 53, are operated by the relative movement between frame 4'! and projections 46 on plate 48 to release the latter from frame 41. Plate 48, therefore, remains clamped to arms 50 holding the standing pins on the alley sections 48 by virtue of its engagement with the heads of standing pins.

In order to insure proper registry between pin setter table 44 and clamping plate 48, locator pins I (Figure 7), attached to plate 48, enter corresponding hollow projections I92 in the table 44. Any slight disturbance which may have taken place during the tilting of the alley l0 will thus be corrected before the final movement of the table 44 is latched to the plate 48.

Plate 48 is provided with circular openings I94 (Figure 8) positioned to correspond with the location of the pins as spotted on the alley It. This permits of a greater flexibility of the compression pad 54 allowing for variations in the length of pins. Flat discs I96 located in the openings I84 of plate 48 and acted on in pairs by a leaf spring I98, supply additional pressure to the pad 54.

As the table 44 moves upward and away from the alley, shaft 43, driven by suitable connections from reversing motor RM controlled in any su1table manner to raise and lower section I0, operates the tilting mechanism through gears 42 and 40 and shaft 38 to gears 36 and 34. This control may be by manually operated switch MC located adjacent the bowlers playing position so that the bowler at the proper time can operate this switch MC to control the operation of motor BM and hence the movement of section I0.

Gear 34 rotates screw 24 causing slide 26 to advance on the bed 23. As the slide 26 advances, it imparts action to the levers I8, I6 and I4, and through their respective motions the alley section III will swing upward around the hinges I2 until it is tilted sufficiently to dump any fallen pins (deadwood) left on the alley as a result of the first ball thrown. As shown in Figure 1 in dotted lines, the section III is swung to substantially vertical position with all standing pins firmly clamped thereon against movement so that they will remain at all times properly positioned in their on or off spot positions on the alley bed awaiting the throwing of the next ball. The movement of the section I is sufficient to allow any fallen pins or deadwood" in the alley to slide or drop off the alley, bed and gutters during the upward movement of section I0, so that all pins usually will be ejected from the alley before the limit of upward movement is reached. When the alley is being cleared of deadwood, a guard I23, of the type shown and described in Rundell Patent No. 2,250,503, granted July 29, 1941, may be used. If desired, the movable section II) may be v1- brated in order to agitate the fallen pins and provide more effectively for their discharge from the alley with greater rapidity. Any suitable Vlbrating device, either mechanical or electric, may be used for this purpose. As shown diagrammatically in Figures 1 and 3, a vibrator V1 of the so-called Buhler" type, similar to that disclosed in Roth Patent No. 1,517,587 may be used. This vibrator preferably is attached to the underside of section III and is motor driven from motor M. Two switch contacts 33a and 33b, located near the front and at one side of the section ID, are

so constructed and arranged that as the section It moves upwardly they will engage a curved member 33 mounted on one of the table guide channels (Figure 1), and make a circuit through motor M to drive the vibrator. The amount of vibration will be dependent upon the length of member 33.

With all deadwood ejected from the alley, the direction of movement of shaft 43 is reversed by means of switch SC and reversing motor RM, either manually or in any other suitable manner so that the alley section II) will return to its original position with the standing pins properly positioned thereon. The reversing motor RM can be cut on or off at the limits of section III in any desired conventional manner.

When table 44 is again lowered, ball latches 53 (Figure 6) engage plate 48 and connect it to frame 44 ready to be lifted therewith after the gripper levers 50 have released their hold on the plate. The disengagement of gripper levers 50 from plate 48, in order to make it possible for latches 53 to lock it to the table 44, may be accomplished in any desired manner, such for instance as by means of two solenoids described hereinafter, reference being made to Figures 2, 3, 5 and 8.

It will be seen, therefore, that the table 44 is adapted to be raised and lowered relative to the pin supporting bed or section II] after the first ball has been thrown but that it dwells above the alley as in the above referred to Schmidt application, until after a second ball has been thrown so that any pins standing after the throwing of a ball will only be clamped upon the alley after the throwing of the first ball. If a second ball has to be thrown, the section II) only is moved to dump fallen pins into the pin.

Assuming that the plate 481s held in clamped relation to levers 50, that fallen pins have been cleared from the alley by movement of the section I0, and that it is desired to reconnect plate 48 to frame 41 of table 44 in order that standing pins may be released and the second ball thrown in order to continue playing the game. When the table moves down so that latches 53 reconnect plate 48 to table 44, said plate will still be held by engagement of surfaces 5Ia with projections 46. By suitable instructions the bowler will know that at this time he should press a manually operated normally open switch S which makes a circuit from power lines L1, L2 through wires 81b, 88a and 88 thereby energizing solenoids 55 and 51 mounted on table 44. This operation causes the solenoids to pull on levers 62 causing them to rock shafts 66. At the end of these shafts are attached levers 10 which cause pusher bars 12 to force gripper fingers 50 out of engagement with projections 46 thereby releasing plate 48 and making it possible for table 44, through the engagement of latches 53 with the plate 48, to lift the plate therewith as the table travels upward. This action releases the standing pins and the next ball can be thrown.

In the event that the first ball knocks down all pins (a strike), the gripper levers 50 are not permitted to disconnect plate 48 from table 44 but will be pushed away so that the table 44 can carry the plate up as the table rises to allow tilting of the alley section I0 to dump any deadwood" that may remain in the alley.

As the table reaches the position shown in Figure 5, gripper levers 50 engage projections 46 on plate 48, but since there are no pins left standing, the table will continue to descend until projections 46 come to rest on arms 14, as shown in dotted lines on lever 50. While the table 44 travels this distance a plunger 16, slidably mounted in a cylinder 18, fixed to bracket 19 attached to table 44, has contacted a projection 14 on one of the levers 50 and is pushed up into the cylinder against a spring thereby compressing the spring between the top of cylinder 18 and a. collar 8| fast to plunger 16. A lever 82 pivoted at 84 on the cylinder 18 and having one end 15 engaging the plunger 16 will thus be made to swing causing the other end of the lever 11 to bridge two contacts 83, 85, thereby closing a circuit 81, 88 connected to power lines L1 and La to energize the two solenoids 55 and 51 which operate in the manner described above to force levers 50 out of engagement with projections 46 of plate 48. From this it follows that whenever a strike is made, plate 48 will remain secured to frame 41 of table 44 and travel upward therewith. Section III will be operated by switch MC to control the operation of reversing motor RM which moves to and from pin discharge posi-. tion.

Figures and 11 show a modified form of my invention in which the mechanism for clearing the alley of deadwood, and balls in the event that the latter have not rolled into the pit, without disturbing any pins which may have been left standing after a ball has been thrown, consists of a frame designated I09 mounting a plurality of pusher bars IIO supported by a cross bar I I2 fixed to carriages I I4 which are arranged to travel in any suitable manner along tracks II6 forming part of the truss shaped structure I09 used for supporting the removing mechanism and swinging the pusher bars IIO to and from the alley. Tracks II6 are fixed at one end to cross bar I25 and at the other end to cross rod II9. Plates II5 may be fixed to bar H2 and carriages II4 to provide added rigidity to the pusher ejecting mechanism.

After the first ball has been thrown, as in the case of the modification just described, the pin setter table H8 is lowered in the same manner until a pressure pad I engages the heads of standing pins and due to the weight of the table I I8 clamps all remaining standing pins in the exact position each occupied on the alley bed after the throwing of the ball. It is preferred to employ an elastic pad I20 of the type described above, in order to allow for variations in the height of pins. The pins are thus held securely on the alley while the table I8 is lowered in order that the pusher bars IIO may advance and clear off any fallen pins by pushing them into the pit P.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the pushers are of varying height and are arranged with increasing height from the outer pushers to the innermost, and create a plow effect in removing fallen pins, that is, pushers IIOa are positioned lower than pushers IIOd. Each pusher adjacent its pin engaging front end is provided with shoes I I I in order to engage fallen pins and eliminate possible damage to the alley as the frame I09 is lowered. In order to obtain the best possible resuit in removing from the alley fallen pins, which may be lying between the standing pins clamped upon the alley bed between table I I8, the pushers are perferably formed of fiat elastic bars so that if and When a pusher engages a standing pin, it will deflect relative thereto and move therepast but still engage a fallen pin and travel it towards and into the pit without exerting such positive force upon standing pins as would cause them to fall over or be misplaced despite the action of the setter table I I8 resting thereon. Any desired number of pushers IIO may be used. As illustrated, I have shown one pusher II3 having a curved pin engaging face II3a at its end provided for each gutter. Eight pushers III] are shown so arranged that normally each will pass between the spotted positions normally occu ied by a set of pins on the alley. This disposition of the pushers IIO tends to insure unrestricted movement past standing pins. Obviously. any other desired arrangement or number of pushers can be used.

Located adjacent the rear end of the tracks I I6 is a transverse bar guard I23 extending between the alley gutters so that when the frame I09 is lowered, the guard will be positioned adjacent the alley and prevent unwanted balls or objects from being thrown along the alley bed into the pit during the sweeping operations. Guard I23 is mounted at I2I to frame I08 and has a middle lever support I braced to cross bar I29 of the frame I09.

Carriages II4 are provided with rollers II'I so that the carriages may roll along tracks II 6. The mechanism for moving the pusher system IIO back and forth relative to tracks II6 after each ball has been thrown, may consist of any suitable device such as a cable I22 attached to each end of the spaced carriages II4. A reference to Figure 10 will show that cable I22 passes over a pulley I24 mounted at the front end of the frame I09 thence over guide pulley I28 and grooved drum I26 to pulley I30 at the opposite end of the carriage II6. Grooved pulley I26 is fixed to shaft I32. Since two pulleys and cable systems are used, one set on each side of the alley, and shaft I32 connects the two sets and transmits the drive to the two sets, only one set has been described.

To one end of shaft I32 is attached a gear I34 which meshes with a gear I36 journalled on a stud shaft I38 mounted in a bracket I39 on upright U of the machine. A sprocket I40 also journailed on shaft I38 and secured to gear I36 is driven by a chain I42 connected in a suitable manner with the drive of the machine. After the pushers IIO have completed their forward and return movement, the entire unit I09 is swung away to clear the alley, pin setter table IIB having been raised from the alley in the meantime freeing the pins which remain in their identical positions for further play. Since table II8 operates in the'same manner as that shown in said Schmidt application referred to above, any pins remaining standing on the alley after a second ball has been thrown will not be held by pad I20 and so will be pushed with fallen pins into the pit.

The mechanism for swinging the pusher unit I09 may be constructed and operated in a manner similar to that set forth in Rundell Patent No. 2,250,503 for Pin removing and guard mechanism for bowling alleys filed December 29, 1938. A preferred form of mechanism consists of a cable I44 attached to an arm Hi6 which is pivoted on shaft I32 on which is also pivoted the truss shaped frame I09 mounting the pusher unit. Cable IN is attached to drum I48 fixed to a shaft I50. All parts I44, M6 and I48 are duplicated with one set on each side of the alley shaft I50, which connects the two sets and transmits the drives to the two sets through a gear I52 meshing with gear I54 on shaft I56 which shall. has fixed thereto a sprocket I58 tracking a sprocket chain I60 suitably driven from the main drive shaft.

In the modification of my invention disclosed in Figures 11 to 15, inclusive, I provide pneumatic means for clearing the alley of fallen pins left there after each ball of a frame has been thrown.

The general construction and operation of this mechanism is substantially the same as that described in the modifications shown in Figures 9 and 10, with the difference that nozzles for emitting compressed fiuid, such as air, have been substituted for the pusher bars. The nozzles are adapted to advance towards the pins when frame I09 has been lowered from dotted line (Figure 11) to full line position, as do the pusher bars in the construction shown in Figures 9 and 10, but their function ordinarily is not to establish physical contact with the pin but to direct the air blast in such a manner as to subject the pins to compressed air against fallen pins.

its force and compel the fallen pins to be swept into the pit.

It will be seen that frame I09. as in the case of the form shown in Figures 9 and 10, is provided with spaced side tracks or guides H8 in which travel carriages Illa connected to cross bar 2a to form a substantially rigid traveling support for the several conduits I'M-4T6 provided with nozzles a-e, respectively, for directing Preferably. each nozzle is flattened for better distribution of air. The several conduits l|i16 are individually fixed to cross bar I In by suitable clamps I89. Connected to the end of each conduit ad- Jacent bar ll2a is a flexible tube or hose I80, each leading to a control valve AV which re ulates the manner in which compressed air is introduced into the conduits. The same carriage operating mechanism and frame lifting device used for positioning and translating pushers I Illa, lllld relative to and along the alley bed may be employed.

While the nozzles are not expected to function as pushers, conditions of the deadwood" may at times be such that the nozzles would actually come in contact with some fallen pins, particularly where pins would have fallen into the gutter. This would in no way be objectionable but could actually prove to be an advantage.

The nozzles a-f are so arranged and positioned that the center nozzles e are the shortest, while those acting with respect to the gutter are the longest. This insures that fallen pins nearest the pit will be positively acted upon by the nozzles. In eflect the nozzles are located along a V, corresponding to lines assumed by the outer-- most pins.

The air conducting system is, as in the case with the mechanism for operating the mechanism parts, preferably made up in two units-one right hand and one left hand-each supplyin air to its half of the alley. The air is led into each conduit out nozzle through a valve which distributes it through flexible conductors I80 to the respective nozzles.

'ously during this period creating an effective The valve selected for purposes of illustration is p of the rotary type and it is considered an advantage to have it rotate continuously and only admit air to the valve during the period when the nozzles are advancing towards the pins. The rotary valves may have a double outlet, diametrically opposite each other, permitting air to enter two nozzles simultaneously in each side, four nozzles, therefore, emitting blasts of air at the same time. Obviously any desired arrangement relating to the introduction of air-to the conduits may be used.

pulsating action of the air, sweeping the pins before it and into the pit.

The valve is driven by a sprocket 220 attached to the stem 22l of the valve body. A chain 222 engaging sprocket 220 is driven by the main drive.

The invention above described may be varied in construction within the scope of the claims, for the particular device, selected to illustrate the invention, is but one of many possible concrete embodiments of the same. It is not, therefore, to be restricted to the precise details of the structure shown and described.

What is claimed is:

1. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting bed and a pit adjacent said bed, a device for holding on said bed in their respective off or on spot positions all pins remaining standing after the throwing of a ball, said device including coacting pin engaging and clamping members, means for clearly said alley of all. fallen pins whil said standing pins are held clamped on said bed, and means for preventing operation of said clamping members whenever all pins are felled by the first ball of a frame thrown.

2. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed, a pin handling device movable into engagement with standing pins after a ball has been thrown, means carried by said device for clamping said standing pins upright on said alley bed in their respective off or on spot positions, and means operative while said pins are thus clamped for clearing said alley of fallen pins.

3. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed, a pin handling device movable into engagement with standing pins after a ball has been thrown, means carried by said device for clampling said standing pins upright on said alley bed in their respective off or on spot positions, means operative while said pins are thus clamped for clearing said alley of fallen pins, and means for vibrating said bed while said fallen pins are being removed from said alley.

4. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed, and a pit, adjacent said bed, means constructed and arranged to engage the upper body portions of standing pins for holding on said bed Referring to the drawings, Figures 11 to 15, in-

'clusive, the air enters the valve at 2) (Figure 14) and is directed into two channels, 2 I 2 and 2, 180 apart and thus will enter the flexible conductors I 80 through outlet plate 218 as the valve openings pass by their respective connections at the outlet plate. The valve openings H2 and 2 preferably are elongated (Figure 15) so as to admit air to the adjoining outlet as the valve begins to close the outlet which has just beenactive.

The flexible conduits I80 connect the outlets 11, 17,0, (1, e and j in the outlet plate 2i6 (Figure 13) to their'respectivenozzles a, b, c, d, e and I (Figure 12) so that nozzles a and d, b and e, c and I, will emit air blasts, in pairs, progressively as the nozzles are advancing towards the pins. Thus, four nozzles will operate continu- '75 against movement therefrom or relative thereto all pins remaining standing after the throwing of a ball, and means for removing all fallen pins from said alley while said standing'pins are held immovable thereon.

5. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting surface and a pit adjacent said surface, a device movable to and from said surface for holding on said surface against movement relative thereto or therefrom standing pins remaining after a ball has been thrown, and means operative after said ball has been thrown for ejecting all fallen pins from said alley into said pit, said device being constructed and arranged to be moved away from said alley after the same has been cleared of fallen pins.

6. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed i said bed after said ball has been thrown, means for detaching said member from said device for holding said standing pins immovable on said bed, means for clearing said alley of fallen pins while said pins are held, means for re-attaching said member to said device, and means operative whenever all pins are felled by the first ball of a frame thrown for maintaining said pin holding member attached to said device.

7. A bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting bed, and a pit at the end thereof, comprising a pin handling elevator movable toward said alley bed after a ball has been thrown to hold any pins standing against said bed, and means moving in a substantially horifiontal plane relative to said standing pins for removing fallen pins from said bed and into said pit.

8. A bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting bed and a pit, comprising a pin elevator, pin handling elements carried by said elevator for setting pins on said alley, and a plate carried by said elevator, asid elevator being movable towards said bed to clamp standing pins between said plate and bed.

9. A bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting bed and a pit, comprising a pin elevator, pin handling elements carried by said elevator for setting pins on said alley, a plate carried by said elevator, said elevator being movable towards said bed to clamp standing pins between said plate and bed, and means operative while said pins are clamped for removing all fallen pins and unwanted objects from said alley;

10. A bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting bed and a pit, comprising a pin handling table movable to and from said bed for setting a predetermined number of pins thereon in playing arrangement, a detachable plate carried by said table, means for detaching said plate from said table to clamp any pins remaining on said alley bed after the throwing of a ball, and means for reconnecting said plate to said table after fallen pins and unwanted objects have been removed from said alley.

11. A bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit, comprising a pin setting table movable to and from said bed for setting a predetermined number of pins on said bed in playing arrangement, a detachable plate carried by said table, means operative after a ball has been thrown for detaching said plate from said table for holding any standing pins on said portion in their respective on or oil spot positions, means for removing all fallen pins from said alley while said pins are thus clamped, and means for re-attaching said plate to said table after removal of said fallen pins. i g

12. A bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit, comprising a pin setting table movable to and from said bed for setting a predetermined number of pins on said bed in playing arrangement, a detachable plate carried by said table, means operative after a ball has been thrown for detaching said plate from said table for holding any standing pins on said portion in their respective on or off spot positions, means for shifting said portion and pins held thereon relative to said pit for gravity discharge of fallen .pins lying on said portion, and means for returning said portion to its initial position after removal of said pins.

13. A bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit, comprising a pin setting table movable to and from said bed for setting a predetermined number of pins on said bed in playing arrangement, a detachable plate carried by said table, means operative after a ball has been thrown for detaching said plate from said table for holding any standing pins on said portion in their respective on or oil spot positions, means for shifting said portion and pins held thereon relative to said pit for gravity discharge of fallen pins lying on said portion, means for returning said portion to its initial position after removal of said pins, and means for releasing said plate from said pins to free said pins for further playing and for re-attaching said plate to said table.

14. A bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin suppporting bed and a pit adjacent said bed, means mounting said bed for movement into and out of normal horizontal position, means operative after a ball has been thrown for engaging the upper body portions and clamping any remaining standing pins on said bed against movement therefrom or relative thereto, and means operative while said pins are thus clamped for moving said bed relative to said pit for ejecting fallen pins by gravity from said alley into said pit.

15. A bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed and I a pit adjacent said bed, means mounting said bed for movement into and out of normal horizontal position, means operative after a ball has been thrown for clamping any remaining standing pins on said bed against movement therefrom or relative thereto, means operative While said pins are thus clamped for moving said bed relative to said pit for ejecting fallen pins by gravity from said alley into said pit, and means operative while said bed is being moved for vibrating the same to assist in the removal of fallen pins.

16. A bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed and a pit adjacent said bed, means operative after a ball has been thrown for engaging the upper body portions and holding in upright position on said bed and in their respective on or off spot positions any pins remaining standing thereon, and means operative while said pins are thus held for removing fallen pins from said alley into said pit.

17. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed and a pit adjacent said bed, a device movable into engagement with standing pins, remaining upright on said alley after a ball has been thrown. means carried by said device for clamping said standing pins upright on said alley bed in their respective oif spot or on spot positions, said means comprising a yielding pin engaging member constructed and arranged to bear against the head ends of said pins, and means operative while said pins are thus clamped for clearing said alley of fallen pins and projecting them into said pit.

18. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed and a pit adjacent said bed, a device movable into engagement with standing pins remaining upright on said alley after a ball has been thrown, means carried by said device for clamping said standing pins upright on said alley bed in their respective oiT spot or on spot positions, said means comprising a yielding pin engaging member constructed and arranged to bear against the head ends of said pins, means operative while saidpins are thus clamped for clearing said alley of fallen pins and projecting them into said pit, and means preventing movement, of balls over said pin supporting bed while said pins are clamped thereon.

19. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed and a pit adjacent said bed, a frame movable towards said bed and into engagement with standing pins after a ball has been thrown, mechanism mounted on said member for clamping said standing pins on their respective off spot or on spot positions including, a plate, yielding members carried by said plate for holding said standing pins upon said alley, and means operative while said pins are so held for removing fallen pins therefrom.

20. In a bowling pin setting machine, the com bination with an alley having a bed supporting a plurality of pins in playing position, of a pin handling member located above said bed and movable after the throwing of a ball into engagement with the tops of standing pins for holding said pins upright on said bed, and means operative while said pins are held by said member for removing fallen pins from said alley.

21. In a bowling pin setting machine, the combination with an alley having a pin supporting bed, of a pin handling member mounted above said bed for movement to and from said bed after a 'ball of a frame has been thrown, and selective means for causing said member to clamp any pins which remain standing after the throwing of the first ball of a frame only and hold said pins immovable in their respective on or of! spot positions on said bed, while said member is moving away from said bed.

22. In a bowling pin setting machine, the combination with an alley having a pin supporting bed, of a pin handling member mounted above said bed movable to and from said bed after a ball has been thrown, selective means for causing said member to clamp any pins which remain standing after the first ball only of a frame has been thrown and hold said pins immovable thereon, and means operative while said pins ar held clamped thereon for removing any fallen pins from said alley after each ball has been thrown.

23. In a bowling pin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting means associated with said device for engaging the tops of any pins remaining standing after the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable on said allay portion while said device moves away from said portion. v

24. In a bowling pin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting position and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting pins thereon, means associated with said device for engaging the tops of any pins remaining standing atfer the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable on said alley portion, and means for removing fallen pins from said alley while said pins are so held.

25. In a bowling pin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting pins thereon, means associated with said device for engaging the tops of any pins remaining standing after the pins therein, and

throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable on said alley portion, means for removing fallen pins from said alley while said pins are so held, said last named means comprising a carriage positioned above said alley, and means carried by said carriage for effecting removal of said fallen pins.

26. In a bowling pin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting pins thereon, means associated with said device for engaging the tops of any pins remaining standing after the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable on said alley portion, means for removing fallen pins from said alley while said pins are so held, said last named means comprising a carriage, a plurality of pin engaging elements carried by said carriage, and means for moving said carriage back and forth above said alley portion to cause said elements to engage and push any fallen pins from said alley into said pit.

27. In a bowling pin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting pins thereon, and means carried by said device constructed and arranged to engage the tops of any standing pins after the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable in their on or off spot positions on said alley, said means comprising a compressible member, and means for removing from said alley any fallen pins while said member engages said standing pin tops.

28. In a bowling pin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting pins thereon, means carried by said device constructed and arranged to engage the tops of any standing pins after the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable in their on or off spot positions on said alley, said means comprising a compressible member, a frame movable into a position adjacent said alley after a ball has been thrown, and means carried by said frame operable while said pins are held by said member for removing from said alley all fallen pins,

29. In a bowling pin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting pins thereon, means carried by said device constructed and arranged to engage the tops of any standing pins after the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable in their on or off spot positions on said alley, said means comprising a compressible member, a frame movable into a position adjacent said alley after a ball has been thrown, a carriage mounted on said frame, ejecting members carried by said carriage, and means for operating said members to effect the removal of fallen pins from said alley.

30. In a bowlingpin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting pins thereon, means associated with said device for engaging the tops of any pins remaining standing after the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable on said alley portion, meansfor removing fallen pins from said alley while said pins are so held,

- and means for controlling the passage of said fluid through said members.

31. In a bowling pin setting machine for an adjacent said portion, a device movable to alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit and from said portion for setting pins thereon, means carried by said device constructed and arranged to engage the tops of any standing pins after the hrowing of a ball for holding said pins immovable in their on or oil spot positions on said alley, a frame movable into proximitywith said alley after a ball has been thrown, a carriage mounted 'for movement on said frame above said alley,

a plurality of ducts fixed to said carriage and extending towards the positions normally occupied by said pins, and means for introducing com pressed air into said ducts to force fallen pins from said alley into said pit.

32. In a bowling pin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting pins thereon, means .carried by said device constructed and arranged to engage the tops of any standing pins after the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable in their on or oil? spot positions on said alley, a frame movable into proximity with said alley after a ball has been thrown, a carriage mounted for movement on said frame above said alley, and extending towards the positions normally occupied by said pins, means for introducing compressed air into said ducts to force fallen pins from said alley into said pit, and means for moving said carriage towards said pit while said compressed air'is being ejected from said ducts.

33. In a bowling pin setting machine for an a plurality of ducts fixed to said carriagev the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable in their on or off spot positions on said alley, a frame movable into proximity with said alley after a ball has been thrown, a carriage mounted for movement on said frame above said alley, a plurality of ducts of varying lengths mounted in spaced relation on said carriage, and means for introducing compressed air through said ducts to force fallen pins from said alley into said pit.

34. In a bowling pin setting machine for an alley having a pin supporting portion and a pit adjacent said portion, a device movable to and from said portion for setting pins thereon, means carried by said device constructed and arranged to engage the tops of any standing pins after the throwing of a ball for holding said pins immovable in their on or off spot positions on said alley, a frame movable into a position adjacent said alley after a ball has been thrown, means carried by said frame operable while said pins are held by said member for removing from said alley all fallen pins, and a guard located at the front of said frame constructed and arranged to be positioned adjacent said alley when said frame has been moved into operative position for preventing unwanted objects from moving over said alley portion while said ejecting members are in operation. r

MOREHEAD PATTERSON. 

